Infosys – Pune

On approach to the Infosys campus, the buildings that steal a glance and demands for several glances are the software development blocks.

The two elliptical shaped buildings standing high in the premise, leading one to a completely different world. Another signature design by Architect Hafeez Contractor for the software development blocks – 3 & 5.the concept derived for designing this building have been inspired by germinating seeds, which meant to epitomize the idea of evolution. Tapering columns that support the structure at the ground level along with usage of other modern day materials like metal framework, metal purlins, double-glazing and most importantly Kalzip. The extensive glazing with its clearness allows one to move through the interior spaces revealing its vantage points that illustrate the dynamic interiors of the building. The double height entrance lobby has glass elevators that enhance the experience of transparent atriums offering expansive vistas of the outdoors. The office spaces of the 1^st and 2^nd floor overlooks the clear glass entrance plaza. The remaining three floors take the shape of the structure, diminishing towards the top.

Between the two elliptical SDB lies the food court. This food court was designed to cater 1500 people at a time. The site for the food court was an undulating one due to which the design concept thought over by Mr. Contractor was to move with the flow in stepped form. The main point that arouses interest is that this building is not air-conditioned but has special air cooling system. The glazed walls are sliding in nature. The food court, though is an informal building but it has been designed with firm rectilinear lines, with vibrant pastel shades for the interiors.

The Progeon buildings are the BPO buildings located opposite to the food court and SDB 3 & 5. The outlines of the buildings have crisp rectilinear lines, unlike the SDB buildings. Externally, the simplistic geometry oriented is incredibly powerful expression of technologically advanced facility. Based on the requirements provided by Mr. Pei, Infosys, of which the most important ones were:

a. Ease of construction in short time duration and,

b. One should be able to move through the building, through the central corridor, provided on either side of the core.

Another demand in the list of requirement was for the food court for staff, which has been designed at the topmost level with 800 seating space and self-sufficient kitchen. As one side of the core has been transformed into food court with room height of 7 mts., the other side of the core remains the corporate zone. The floor plate being 60,000 sq. ft.for Progeon allots 80 sq. ft. to every staff.

Last but not the least is the ECC building i.e. Employee Care Centre. Having been provided with a narrow patch of land, the rectilinear mass stands out with circular bands provided at intervals to break the monotony of the structure. This building is one of the tallest one in the premise.

The design of this building was done keeping in mind the three major activities like training, recreation and accommodation.

The building has a central double height entrance lobby with a glass canopy. The entrance lobby divides the floor having facilities like swimming pool, gymnasium, Indoor badminton court, squash court serves as a place breakout after extensive training on one side where as on the other side is the office area, training hall and lecture hall, auditorium, conference room, foyer - as a breakout area in between the conference room and lecture hall.

A mini super market was designed within the building keeping in mind the general and daily needs of the occupants.

Finally, for the accommodation facility, the upper level of the building has been planned with single and double occupancy rooms for women and gents and suites for special guests and families. There are 1000 rooms in total. The accommodation facilities have been designed on the upper levels to provide the occupants a soothing view of the surrounding areas and to allow them to enjoy the pleasant climate of the place.

Thus, all four different types of buildings are very different in design from one another, and each of them stands defining its functions through its unique aesthetics.